Is It Too Late to Plant Bulbs in January?

Cold Temperatures

• To bloom in spring, bulbs must be planted in cold soil 10 to 13 weeks ahead of time. The chilling time will allow the bulbs to develop healthy roots, which will transport nutrients from the soil to the foliage and blooms.

Planting in January

• Plant the bulbs in January as soon as the ground thaws and is soft enough to dig or chisel a hole in the ground. The bulbs may not bloom on schedule in the spring. They may produce smaller blooms on short stems later in the spring or summer, or they may wait to bloom on schedule the following spring.

Mulch

• Spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch over the bulbs immediately after planting. Mulch such as pine needles, shredded bark or straw will protect the bulbs from winter freezing and thawing. Remove the mulch after freezing weather passes in spring.